chimney and flue maintenance - royal home inspections …€¦ · chimney and flue maintenance...
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CHIMNEY AND FLUE MAINTENANCE Royal Home Inspections and Consulting Services
Michael Dandurand, P.E.
637 East Willow Street
Gardner, Kansas 66030
www.RoyalInspectionsKC.com
Foundation Certifications
FHA / HUD Certifications
Engineering Consultations
Licensed in Missouri & Kansas
CHIMNEY AND FLUE MAINTENANCE
The flashing around a masonry chimney should be properly installed to reduce the
potential for water intrusion through failed caulking seams. Chimney flashing failures
can lead to expensive repairs because they are often not noticed until water damage has
occurred in the living space resulting in saturated attic insulation, drywall damage and
potential mold concerns. Chimney flashing should be installed with both step and
counterflashing as observed in the photo at below. We recommend installing liners in all
masonry chimneys, maintaining the chimney crap/crown and sealing the exterior brick
with a penetrating sealer to minimize the potential for spalling in the future.
CHIMNEY AND FLUE MAINTENANCE Royal Home Inspections and Consulting Services
This photo shows a chimney with the
proper flashing installed poorly. Note the
counter flashing is not secure against the
brick and the top is not sealed in the
masonry joint.
Close up of step flashing caulk that has
deteriorated causing water penetration into
the attic. This caused saturated insulation
and interior wall and ceiling damage.
Cracks in chimney caps should be sealed
brush on elastomeric sealant for long term
protection. This covers the entire chimney
cap and provides a waterproof seal.
Some cracks are large enough that you can
apply a polyurethane caulking to fill cracks
prior to applying the brush on sealant.
CHIMNEY AND FLUE MAINTENANCE Royal Home Inspections and Consulting Services
A chimney cricket is a ‘peak’ at the center
of the chimney base that diverts water and
minimizes the potential for snow
accumulation. A cricket, as shown here, is
recommended for any span over 30 inches.
We recommend installing chimney covers
to prevent pest and moisture intrusion.
Interior view of unlined masonry chimney.
We recommend liners for all chimney
applications be installed by a licensed
professional to ensure the appropriate flue
liner material is used for each application.
This photo shows a gas appliance flue
discharging into an open masonry
chimney; this has a high potential for flue
gasses to leak back into the home due to
pressure differential and down drafting.
CHIMNEY AND FLUE MAINTENANCE Royal Home Inspections and Consulting Services
Spalling occurs when brick deteriorate and
layers ‘flake off’ causing damage.
Prevent spalling by spraying on a
penetrating masonry/brick sealer. There
are several products to choose from.
A chimney liner should always be installed
up the full height of a clay/terracotta flue.
Some are installed in sections and others
are continuous flexible flue liners.
Photo of a relined chimney completed
instead of installing a steel liner. This type
of repair is completed using a sprayer.